ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM acknowledges the decision to allow PACS to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras  across the country
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised the decision to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies  to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. Shri Modi said that it is one of the priorities of our government that even the most expensive medicines should be available at the lowest cost across the country.
Responding to the tweet of Union Minister for Cooperation, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“देशभर में महंगी से महंगी दवाएं भी कम से कम कीमत पर उपलब्ध हों, यह हमारी सरकार की प्राथमिकताओं में से एक है। मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है कि सहकारिता क्षेत्र में हुई इस बड़ी पहल से ग्रामीण इलाकों में रहने वाले लोगों का जीवन और आसान होगा।”
Ministry of Home Affairs
Grant of some Consular Services to Foreign Nationals, presently stranded in India due to COVID-19, for 30 days from date of lifting of Prohibition on International Air Travel of passengers from India
Union Ministry for Home Affairs , on 17.04.2020, had granted consular services on gratis basis to foreign nationals, presently stranded in India due to travel restrictions in the context of COVID-19 outbreak, till 3rd May, 2020. .
After considering the matter, it has been decided to extend the period of providing the following consular services by the Office of Foreigners Regional Registration Officers/ Foreigners Registration Officers to foreign nationals, presently stranded in India.
Regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation, of such foreign nationals whose visas have expired or would be expiring during the period from 01.02.2020  till the date on which prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India is lifted by Government of India, would be extended on 'GRATIS' basis, on submission of an online application by the foreigners.
Such extensions would be granted for a period up to 30 days from the date of lifting the prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India without levy of over stay penalty. Exit to such foreign nationals, if so requested by them, will also be granted on the same lines.
Click here to see Official Order
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
IFFI announces Films in Debut Competition
The 50th International Film Festival of India announced the films in Debut Competition section of the festival. The festival which has been launch pad to several filmmakers over the past 50 years aims at bringing the best first time filmmakers of the year in this section.
Algerian film Abou Leila directed by Amin Sidi-Boumedine, Korean film Romang by LEE Chang-geun, Romanina film Monsters by Marius Olteanu, US film My Name is Sara by Steven Oritt, female filmmaker Eva Cool’s Cleo are the films which made it to Debut Competition this year. The National Award winning film Hellaro by Abhishek Shah and Malayalam film Uyare by Manu Ashokan are the Indian films competing for the Award for the Best Debut feature film of a director at 50th IFFI.
Award carries Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000,00/- to be given to a feature film that reflects a new paradigm in motion pictures in terms of aesthetics, technique or technological innovation.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
TRIFED’s TRIBES India store products tagged with One District One Product  and Geographical Indication 
Move to enable market outreach and procurement of handlooms and handicrafts
One District One Product  and Geographical Indication  stakeholders can access district specific art and craft
The One District One Product  programme under Department of Commerce  and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade , Ministry of Commerce & Industry is aimed at creating sustainable employment at the district level while promoting holistic socio-economic development. The idea is to select, brand, and promote one product from each district of the country.
In pursuance of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi's clarion call on Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and with India’s current G20 Presidency, several initiatives are being undertaken by DPIIT, Government of India. In addition, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, at the launch of the ODOP Catalogue, requested every organisation to work in collaboration with the programme. This will help promote indigenous products from each district of the nation.
To further this vision, ODOP mapped and tagged the overlapping tribal products at the TRIBES India store at the ongoing Aadi Mahotsav organized by Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India  from 16-27 February, 2023 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The ODOP and GI x TRIFED product launch was held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium during the ongoing Aadi Mahotsav.
On the occasion, Smt. Supriya Devasthali, Director, DPIIT delivered a special address at the ODOP and GI x TRIFED launch and appreciated the diverse collection of products on display, from across the country. She highlighted that this collaboration with TRIFED is a landmark step to promote the tribal products that come under the ambit of ODOP, and more than 100 Tribes India's stores in the country will join this movement to be vocal for local and make for the world. She also mentioned that platforms like the Aadi Mahotsav are crucial in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and a collaboration with TRIFED will further add value to the initiatives being taken by ODOP.
A diverse collection of tribal products representing all parts of the country are available at TRIFED’s TRIBES India Retail store. The ODOP and GI tagging was done for a range of products, including Kullu Shawl from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling Tea from Darjeeling, West Bengal, Blue Pottery from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Bidriware from Bidar, Karnataka, Pattachitra paintings from Puri, Odisha, Bagh Prints from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, Coffee from Wayanad, Kerala, Bastar Craft from Kondagaon, Chattisgarh & Rice-Jeeraphool from Balrampur, Chhattisgarh. The tagging is intended to create awareness about the sources of products representing different districts of India.
ODOP plans to further this campaign by engaging other such stores and emporiums that have overlaps with the products under ODOP to boost the morale of artisans and weaver clusters by giving them a larger platform to display their craft and bringing it to the forefront.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
No new cases of Nipah Virus disease in Kerala: Dr Harsh Vardhan
“Clinical condition of Nipah positive patient is improving”
Union Minister of Health and Family, Dr Harsh Vardhan stated today that "There have been no new cases of Nipah virus disease". He also stated that the clinical condition of Nipah positive patient is improving further.
As on today, 8 patients are there in the isolation ward and 7 of them were found negative for Nipah virus. The sample from the 8th patient is being tested in the point of Care  lab. Yesterday, four other patients from the isolation were discharged as their clinical condition improved.
National Institute of Virology , Pune collected three blood samples from pigs and about 30 samples from bats from Thodupuzha .
The Union health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan is personally regularly reviewing and monitoring the Nipah Virus Disease status and has directed the senior officers of the Ministry to review the status with the Kerala state government. The Union Health Ministry is supporting the Kerala state government in management and containment of the situation.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves revisedsalaries, gratuity, allowances and pension for the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension etc. of the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts and retired Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. It follows the implementation of recommendations of the 7thCentral Pay Commission in respect of Civil Servants.
The approval will pave the way for necessary amendments in the two laws viz. Supreme Court Judges  Act, 1958 and High Court Judges  Act, 1954, which govern the salaries of Chief Justice of India , Judges of Supreme Court of India, Chief Justices and all Judges of High Courts.
The increase in the salary and allowances etc. will benefit 31 Judges of Supreme Court of India  and 1079 Judges of High Courts. Besides, approximately 2500 retired Judges will also be benefited on account of revision of pension/gratuity etc.
Arrears on account of revised salaries, gratuity, pension and family pension w.e.f 01.01.2016 will be paid as one time lump sum payment.
Background:
Salaries, gratuity, pension, allowances etc. in respect of Judges of Supreme Court are governed by the Supreme Court Judges  Act, 1958. Salaries etc. of Judges of High Courts are governed by High Court Judges  Act, 1954. An amendment in the Acts is required whenever there is any proposal for revision of salaries/pension gratuity, allowances etc. in respect of Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. Therefore, Government proposes to move a Bill in the Parliament in the ensuing Session for amendment in the relevant Acts for giving effect to the revision of salaries and allowances.
Ministry of Finance
South Mumbai CGST Commissionerate bursts Rs. 18 crore Fake Input Tax Credit Racket
Mumbai, 6 April 2022
Anti-Evasion Unit of Mumbai South CGST Commissionerate, has smashed a fake ITC racket and arrested the proprietor of M/s Stallone Overseas today. This firm was engaged in availing and passing on of fake GST Input tax Credit  of Rs. 18 Cr by using bogus invoices of more than Rs 98 Cr.
Based on the tip of the Central Intelligence Unit of the Central Goods and Service Tax  Mumbai Zone, a team from Anti-Evasion Wing of Mumbai South CGST Commissionerate initiated an investigation, which has revealed that this firm has availed fake ITC on the bogus invoices issued by more than 14 non-existent firms/entities and passed on this fake ITC to other firms.
The accused was arrested on April 06, 2022 under Section 69 of the CGST Act for committal of offences under Section 132, 132 read with Section 132 of CGST Act. He was produced before Additional CMM court Mumbai on 06.04.2022. He was sent to judicial custody of 14 days.
This case is a part of Anti-Evasion drive launched by CGST, Mumbai Zone against the tax evaders. As a part of this drive, CGST Mumbai South Commissionerate has detected tax evasion of Rs 642 Crores approx., recovered Rs. 10.89 Crores approx. and arrested 8 persons during the last seven months. The CGST department is using data analytics and network analysis tools to identify potential tax evaders and also coordinating with other tax authorities for nabbing tax evaders. The department is going to intensify this anti-evasion drive in the coming days.PIB Mumbai | DJM/SRT/DR
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Ministry of Mines
Centre Aims 8.5 per cent Growth In Mining Sctor During 2018 - 23
As per the NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India @ 75 Report 2019, the objective was to “accelerate the growth of the mining sector from 3 per cent in 2017-18 to 14 per cent, with an average growth of 8.5 per cent during 2018-23.” The year-wise Gross Value Added  by the Mining and Quarrying Sector and percentage growth since 2014-15 is provided at Table in Annexure-I. An assessment of the impact in mining activities in Goa and Karnataka on the mining sector’s share of national GDP is given in Annexure-II.
Annexure-I
Annexure referred to in reply to LS USQ No. 2456 answered on 16.03.2022 regarding ‘GROWTH OF MINING SECTOR’
Table: GVA in Mining Sector since 2014-15 at Constant Prices
|
|
Year
|
|
GVA 
|
|
Growth 
|
|
2014-15
|
|
2,88,685
|
|
9.72
|
|
2015-16
|
|
3,17,974
|
|
10.15
|
|
2016-17
|
|
3,49,248
|
|
9.84
|
|
2017-18
|
|
3,29,612
|
|
-5.62
|
|
2018-19
|
|
3,26,815
|
|
-0.85
|
|
2019-20
|
|
3,21,766
|
|
-1.54
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2,94,024
|
|
-8.62
|
|
2021-22 
|
|
3,30,945
|
|
12.56
AE: Advanced Estimate; Source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Annexure-II
GROWTH OF MINING SECTOR
The percentage share of GVA of metallic and non-metallic minerals under the ambit of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules  in the country’s GDP since 2014-15 is given below:
|
|
Year
|
|
Contribution to GDP 
|
|
2014-15
|
|
0.53
|
|
2015-16
|
|
0.51
|
|
2016-17
|
|
0.58
|
|
2017-18
|
|
0.52
|
|
2018-19
|
|
0.47
|
|
2019-20
|
|
0.45
Note: Calculated from Statement 8.5  provided in the National Accounts Statistics published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Figures for 2020-21 not yet available
As regards impact in mining activities in the States of Goa and Karnataka, it is mentioned that the percentage share of value of production of MCDR minerals in Goa to the total value of production of MCDR minerals of the country was already quite low, at 2.1% in the year 2017-18. From 2018- 19 onward, the figure has been negligible. In the case of Karnataka, the percentage share of the State, which was 14.5% in 2017-18, declined to 11.5% in 2018-19 and 10.5% in 2019-20. The value of production of MCDR minerals in Karnataka had marginally declined from Rs. 8,681 crores in 2017-18 to Rs. 8,479 crore in 2018-19 and further to Rs. 8,129 crores in 2019-20. However, the value of production of MCDR minerals in the State of Karnataka has increased to Rs. 9,922 crores in 2020-21, with an increase in the percentage contribution to total value of MCDR mineral production of the country to 12.6%.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Gadkari to launch innovative,eco-friendly, non-toxic wall paint tomorrow
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways & MSME Sh. Nitin Gadkari will be launching an innovative new paint developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission on Tuesday, 12th January at his residence. The eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, called“Khadi Prakritik Paint” is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. Based on cow dung as its main ingredient, the paint is cost-effective and odorless, and has been certified by Bureau of Indian Standards
Khadi Prakritik Paint is available in two forms – distemper paint and plastic emulsion paint. Production of Khadi Prakritik Paint is aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of increasing farmers’ income.The project was conceptualized by Chairman KVIC in March 2020, and later developed by Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur .
The paint is free from heavy metals like lead, mercury, chromium, arsenic, cadmium and others. It will be a boost to local manufacturing and will create sustainable local employment through technology transfer. This technology will increase consumption of cow dung as a raw material for eco-friendly products and will generate additional revenue to farmers and gaushalas. This is estimated to generate additional income of Rs 30,000  per annum per animal to farmers/ gaushalas. Utilization of cow dung will also clean the environment and prevent clogging of drains.
Khadi Prakritik Distemper & Emulsion Paints have been tested at 3 reputed National Laboratories
- National Test House, Mumbai
- Shri Ram Institute for Industrial Research, New Delhi
- National Test House, Ghaziabad
Khadi Prakritik Emulsion paint meets BIS 15489:2013 standards; whereas Khadi Prakritik Distemper paint meets BIS 428:2013 standards.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Shri Bishnu Charan Sethi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief on the demise of Bhartiya Janta Party’s Odisha unit leader, Shri Bishnu Charan Sethi.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Shri Bishnu Charan Sethi Ji made an outstanding contribution to Odisha's progress. He distinguished himself as a hardworking legislator and contributed greatly to social empowerment. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
President's Secretariat
Ms Melinda French Gates calls on the President
Ms Melinda French Gates, Co-Chair and Trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming Ms Melinda French Gates to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President was happy to note the work done by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation over the past two decades.
The President said that the Government of India is investing significantly in health and development through a range of flagship initiatives. The Government is making special efforts to ensure an inclusive approach, so that the benefits reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society. She expressed confidence that the Foundation would also make efforts to reach those who are most in need – whether they are women and girls, tribal communities, or those residing in remote parts of the country. The President also highlighted the role of women in the overall development of the country, and called on the Foundation to continue its efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The President appreciated the pioneering work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in public health, infectious disease control and malaria and TB prevention. She encouraged the Foundation to also give attention to other serious ailments, such as sickle cell anemia, which particularly afflicts tribal communities. The President also appreciated the good work of the Foundation in the area of agricultural development, and urged the Foundation to consider starting cooperative marketing initiatives for minor forest produce in tribal areas.
Speaking about India taking over the G20 Presidency, the President said that India’s experience and best practices can be very useful lessons for other developing countries. In particular, India’s rich and diverse tribal heritage can be showcased to the world - living in harmony with nature, traditional systems of medicine, and a genuine ‘sustainability’ approach are the hallmarks of this unique lifestyle.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways records best ever Monthly Freight Loading of 125.50 MT in June, 2022
The incremental loading in the month of June has been 12.72 MT i.e. a growth of 11.28 % over the previous best June figures achieved in 2021
With this, Indian Railways has had 22 straight months of best ever monthly freight loading.
Indian Railways has carried forward the momentum of the previous year in the year 2022-23 as well, and has recorded best ever Monthly freight loading of 125.50 MT in June’22. The incremental loading in the month of June has been 12.72 MT i.e. a growth of 11.28 % over the previous best June figures achieved in 2021.With this, Indian Railways has had 22 straight months of best ever monthly freight loading.
This growth has been fuelled by incremental loading of 13.19 MT in Coal, followed by 1.68 MT in Cement & Clinker , 1.57 MT in Balance other goods and 0.64 MT in Food grains.
The cumulative freight loading in the first quarter of the year has been 379.4 MT as against 339.3 MT achieved in 2021-22 i.e. an incremental loading of 40.09 MT, with a growth of 12% over same period last year.
The freight NTKMs  have increased from 63.3 Billion in June ’21 to 75.8 Billion in June’22 registering a growth of 20 %. This is because of the fact that, apart from increase in Freight loading there has been an increase in Freight leads, which has increased by 7.4 %. The cumulative NTKMs in the first three months have also grown by 19.8 %.
The sustained efforts of Indian Railways to increase supply of Coal to Power houses, in close coordination with Ministry of Power and Coal, have been one of the key features of the freight performance in the month of June. The loading of Coal  to Power Houses has increased by 15.9 MT in June with 51.2MT Coal being moved to Power houses as against 35.3 MT last year, i.e. a growth of 45%. Cumulatively, in the first quarter of the year IR has loaded more than 34.7 MT extra coal to Power Houses as compared to same period of last year with a growth of more than 30%.
In terms of number of rakes of coal loaded per day for Power houses , Indian Railways has moved more than 420 rakes of domestic coal and more than 32 rakes of imported coal on a daily basis over longer distances. This is reflected in increased lead of Thermal coal from 457 Km to 565 Km.
With these sustained efforts, the trend of reducing coal stocks at Power houses has been reversed and the coal stocks at the Power houses have again started improving on a regular basis.
The commodity wise growth number show that IR has achieved impressive growth in almost all commodity segments with the following growth rates :
|
|
Commodity
|
|
Variation 
|
|
% variation
|
|
Coal
|
|
13.19
|
|
26.23
|
|
Cement and Clinker
|
|
1.68
|
|
15.38
|
|
Food Grains
|
|
0.64
|
|
11.55
|
|
POL
|
|
0.47
|
|
12.90
|
|
Containers
|
|
0.32
|
|
5.13
|
|
Balance Other Goods
|
|
1.57
|
|
17.37
Special Service and Features
Awareness Campaign for Coconut Farmers
Coconut Development Board is organizing a nationwide awareness campaign for coconut farmers across the country from 26th April to 1st May 2022 as part of Annadata Devo Bhava campaign titled - Kisan Bhaghidari Prathmikta Hamari campaign of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Thomar will inaugurate the programme on 26th April 2022 virtually. He will also address coconut farmers across the nation.
Awareness seminars focusing on the topic ‘Scientific Coconut Cultivation, Processing & Value Addition’ will be held at national, state, district & FPO  levels for the benefit of the entire coconut farming community in the country. Around 20,000 coconut farmers will take part in the programme.
The Campaign is being organized in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR, CPCRI, State Agriculture/Horticulture departments and FPOs.
Four state level programmes will be organized in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Tripura & Goa. Programmes will also be organized in the coconut growing belts of Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Assam, Tripura and Nagaland. Around 80 seminars will be organized as part of the campaign.
A Centre of Excellence in Coconut set up in the Demonstration-cum-Seed Production  Farm of the Coconut Board at Dhali, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu will be inaugurated on 26th April 2022. The Centre will transfer improved coconut cultivation technologies and will act as a major supplier of coconut planting materials.
As part of the campaign, a three day Virtual Trade Fair on Coconut Products will also be held from 26th to 28th April 2022. The fair will show case a variety of coconut-based, diversified processed products.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets the people, on the occasion of Basant Panchami
PM greets the people, on the occasion of Basant Panchami
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people, on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
“बसंत पंचमी के शुभ अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को शुभकामनाएंI Greetings on the special occasion of Basant Panchami”, the Prime Minister said.